I’m happy for Bolden, what a guy. Set back by injury before he even got to play his first collegiate game. Freshman year was a mess. Takes a backseat to Bagley, Carter last year. I remember the rumor transfer mill. 5 star big time true center being asked to play behind the freshman stars, says a lot about his loyalty and commitment to being a better player by sticking it out. A lot of guys would have left. I know his minutes are kind of all over the place this year with K adapting this team to a NBA “positionless” style offense and putting Zion at the 5, but Marques is really doing a hell of a job when he’s in there. Great rim protector. I haven’t forgotten about those 7 blocks against Auburn, good stuff.
And much as I miss seeing Johnny on bench, putting Nate James on the coaching staff has been nothing short of a blessing. He’s fantastic with big men, really developed Brian Zoubek so well for his senior year and that 2010 banner. Can’t imagine Zoubek getting that playing time and altering that championship game the way he did with his shot contests if it weren’t for Nate James working with him.